YSPOR Alumni

Anna Billowits joined YSPOR in January 2023 as a Masters of Public Health practicum student. Anna completed two practicum terms at YSPOR, working on data policies, building relationships with Yukon organizations, assisting other YSPOR initiatives, and creating resources to support appropriate research. She also collaborated on a scoping review of health-related research in the Yukon. Anna will move forward knowing the value of taking the time to support community-led research projects that improve health outcomes for all.

Ayden joined YSPOR for experiential learning in summer of 2023 while completing her undergraduate in chemistry. She took part in the research study titled ‘What matters to clients of counselling services: What makes good counselling?’. The study aimed to determine what clients value when it comes to good counselling services instead of what counsellors think makes a good counselling service. Some of the skills developed during her time with YSPOR include her knowledge and application of the ethics review process and how to use the data collected in research papers to create the base for a survey.

Carolyn (she/her/hers) is Métis from amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton) who visited Whitehorse for the summer of 2022 as a UBC, Masters of Public Health practicum student. She had the opportunity to work on literature reviews for research proposals which focused on Indigenous youth mental health. Carolyn’s main take away was the importance of collaborating with Indigenous communities in order to find solutions that are more context specific and lead to equitable healthcare for Yukon Indigenous patients.

Yabo joined YSPOR in the spring of 2023 for a practicum whilst pursuing her Masters in Public Health with Lakehead University. During her time with the unit, Yabo took part in a significant data scoping exercise to help YSPOR understand what health research has already occurred in the territory. In addition, she developed several new relationships with Non-Governmental Organizations on behalf of the unit.

Yeonseon Lee joined YSPOR in summer of 2023 as a Junior Project Officer while concurrently pursuing her Bachelor of Health Sciences degree. During her time, Yeonseon worked on creating an instruction manual for summer students, as well as supporting other YSPOR initiatives including social media management and web content development. Yeonseon looks forward to deepening her involvement in public health, recognizing its vital role in promoting the health and wellness of her community. Yeonseon joined for a second summit with YSPOR in the summer of 2024 again as a Junior Project Officer. She planned, coordinated and led the launch of the unit’s lived experience-focused podcast “Together We Speak”.

Ava joined the YSPOR team in June 2024. She was born and raised in Whitehorse. Ava is an undergraduate student at the University of Victoria pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology. During her time with YSPOR, Ava supported writing introductions for existing research projects, and helped in the creation of resources to support researchers to engage with lived experience partners.

Alex grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, and joined the YSPOR team in June 2024 as a fourth-year Bachelor of Health Sciences student at Queen’s University. Alex has a passion for public policy and its influence on improving lives. During his time with YSPOR, Alex wrote introductions for existing research studies, conducted a policy review, and compiled a shared evidence-base for a YSPOR partnered project.

Esther Ogunkanmbi is a Master of Public Health (MPH) candidate at the University of Alberta, she served as a practicum student with YSPOR in the winter and early spring of 2025. Through her work, she aims to enhance the dissemination of important public health insights. Outside of her academic pursuits, she enjoys cooking delicious meals, dancing to her favorite tunes, and getting lost in captivating TV series. During her time with YSPOR Esther supported the launch of YSPOR’s Knowledge Translation Services.

Sienna joined the YSPOR team in January 2025 for a practicum term. She holds a Bachelor of Public Health, minoring in Addictions and Mental Health, from the University of Waterloo. Sienna also attended Ilisimatusarfik (University of Greenland) to study Arctic Social Sciences. She is currently completing her Master of Public Health, specializing in Indigenous Health, at the University of Toronto. During her time with YSPOR, Sienna supported the launch of YSPOR’s Knowledge Translation Services.

Jem joined YSPOR in May of 2023. When it comes to wellness, he’s been working with the youth in his community at the Kajit-in Zho since 2017. As a member of his community in Dawson City and citizen of Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, he wants to support the next generation to grow and learn skills for the world ahead of them, from healthy activities to learning about natural medicines off the land. Jem is aware of the challenges that come with growing up and living in a small community. There is much knowledge that can be learned on the land and he’s looking forward to what more there is to learn. During his time with YSPOR, Jem took part in knowledge translation initiatives including visual documentation of Gu Nahtsey harvests, as well as developing his research skills.

Jarred started working with YSPOR in summer of 2023. He enjoys bringing people together for larger conversations and providing opportunities to be involved to those who otherwise may not get a chance to be a part of change. He is now pursuing his own studies in Alberta. During his time with YSPOR, Jarred assisted with the Junior Researcher initiative in partnership with Yukon Youth Moving Mountains, acting as a youth mentor to the team. He also took part in the creation of a mini-documentary – an intergenerational knowledge sharing project in partnership with Junior Researcher Malcolm, and Elder Ernie.

Atticus started working with YSPOR in June 2023. He is interested in the role healthy activities, and in particular physical exercise, plays in health and community wellness. Atticus took part in a research project on the topic of youth wellness in his town of Pelly Crossing.